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THE
VESSEL
The Master was searching for a
vessel to use:
Before Him were many,
which one would He choose?
"Take me," cried the gold one.
"I'm shiny and bright;
I'm of great value
and I do things just right."
"My beauty and luster
will outshine the rest,
And for someone like you,
Master, Gold would be best."
The Master passed on
with no word at all,
And looked at a silver urn,
grand and tall.
"I'll do dear Master,
I'll pour out your wine;
I'll be on your table
whenever you dine.
My lines are so graceful,
my carving so true,
And silver will always
complement you."
Unheeding, the Master
passed on to the brass,
Wide-mouthed and shallow
and polished like glass.
"Here, here!" cried the vessel,
"I know I will do;
Place me on your table
for all men to view."
"Look at me," called the goblet
of crystal so clear,
"my transparency shows
my contents so dear.
Though fragile am I,
I will serve you with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy
in your house to abide."
Then the Master came next
to a vessel of wood;
Polished and carved,
it solidly stood.
"You may use me, dearest Master,"
the wooden bowl said.
"But I'd rather you used me for fruit,
not for bread."
Then the Master looked down
and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken
it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel
that the Master might choose,
To cleanse, and make whole,
to fill and to use.
"Ah! Now This is the vessel
I've been hoping to find.
I'll mend it and use it
and make it all mine.
I need not the vessel
with pride of itself,
Nor one that is narrow
to sit on the shelf;
Nor one that is big-mouthed
and shallow and loud;
Nor one that displays
his contents so proud;
Nor the one who thinks
he can do things just right;
But this plain earthen vessel
filled with power and might."
Then gently He lifted
the vessel of clay,
Mended and cleansed it
and filled it that day;
Spoke to it kindly --
"There's work you must do...
Just pour out to others
as I pour into you."
Author Unknown To
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